Undergraduate

Sociology

Humans are social beings, and we live in groups throughout our lives. Sociology is the study of those groups and of social behavior. Robert Morris University’s bachelor’s degree in sociology gives students a firm grounding in the discipline and prepares them for graduate programs and careers in sociology and related fields.

Students can specialize in a wide range of topics. The curriculum at RMU includes sociological theory, women in society, marriage and families, criminology, sport, and deviant behavior. Sociologists often design and conduct research in these areas, preparing reports for businesses, nonprofits, schools, and policymakers, as well as providing direct service to individuals through work in social service and community outreach programs.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Employment of sociologists is expected to grow 18 percent from 2010 to 2020.” Sociologists specialize in a wide range of topics, including health, crime, racial and ethnic relations, families, poverty, gender, and aging. Sociologists often design and conduct research in these areas, analyze data, and prepare reports and other publications that are relevant for businesses, nonprofits, schools, and policymakers.

Sociologists also provide direct service to individuals through work in social service and community outreach programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment opportunities for these positions are growing due to overall population growth, particularly among the aging population, and the need for substance abuse treatment.

Sample Job Titles:

Admissions Counselor

Community Organizer

Juvenile Court Worker

Social and Community Service Manager

Social Research Assistant

Substance Abuse Counselor

Below is a typical four-year course of study for psychology students, including major requirements and electives. Your own schedule will vary based on your own interests.

FRESHMAN/Fall Semester

FRESHMAN/Spring Semester

READING & WRITING STRATEGIES

ARGUMENT AND RESEARCH

INTERCULTURAL COMM.

CONT AMER SOC PROBLEMS

SURVEY OF ECONOMICS

INTRO TO DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS

HUMANITIES: ART AND MUSIC

REASONING/APPLICATIONS

PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY

OPEN ELECTIVE

SOPHOMORE/Fall Semester

SOPHOMORE/Spring Semester

PUBLIC SPEAKING AND PERSUASION

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

BUS PROF COMMUNICATIONS

ELIT ELECTIVE

STATISTICS

GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY

AMER. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

SCIENCE ELECTIVE

OPEN ELECTIVE

JUNIOR/Fall Semester

JUNIOR/Spring Semester

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

WORLD GEOGRAPHY

MARRIAGE AND FAMILIES

SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR

SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY

SOCIOLOGY OF RACE AND ETHNICITY

OPEN ELECTIVE

OPEN ELECTIVE

OPEN ELECTIVE

OPEN ELECTIVE

SENIOR/Fall Semester

SENIOR/Spring Semester

SOCIAL SCIENCE PRACTICUM

SENIOR RESEARCH PROJECT

WOMEN IN SOCIETY

OPEN ELECTIVE

SOCIOLOGY OF SPORT

OPEN ELECTIVE

RESEARCH METHODS

OPEN ELECTIVE

OPEN ELECTIVE

OPEN ELECTIVE

At Robert Morris University, we’re not just training our students to get a job; we’re educating them for a whole series of professional careers—and for a lifetime of enrichment and contribution. We call the RMU education “engaged learning,” and we are one of a handful of schools around the nation that offers students a Student Engagement Transcript to certify their character-building credentials as well as their academic credentials. Our unique combination of high-quality academics with a professional focus allows us to transform our graduates.

Through learning opportunities that are continually improved and updated, we provide enhanced opportunities to clear the way for our students’ success. In addition, our academic departments and programs have close ties with professional communities, providing valuable connections for our students.

Our programs support the intellectual, social, and personal development of students. They also prepare individuals through the integration of technology, effective communication skills, and the application of theory into practice. This is completed through the integration of internships and practicums, which provide real-world experiences for all majors. Overall, students will experience a dynamic combination of in-class and exciting engagement opportunities that fully prepare them for the many challenges that social science working professionals manage on a daily basis.

The School of Education and Social Sciences faculty is comprised of caring individuals who accept the responsibility for educating the "whole" student at RMU. Consequently, our faculty members are specialists in their areas of expertise who effectively implement sound instructional practices when teaching and just as importantly, they engage students in a variety of purposeful enrichment activities outside the classroom setting. As all faculty possess related work experience as practitioners in the field, such as researchers, authors, psychologists, counselors, etc., students learn from them first-hand what it takes to succeed.

Scholarships are available based upon academic achievement. For freshmen, high school grade point average and ACT/SAT scores are used. For transfer students, the cumulative grade point average of all college courses is used. Scholarships range from $1000 per year up to full tuition. (To calculate your scholarship eligibility, click here.)

Higher education is an investment in your future.

At Robert Morris University, we will work closely with you to show you how to finance your education through a combination of need-based financial aid, scholarships, and financing strategies to make your education attainable. RMU has one of the lowest tuition rates of all private institutions in the state, but we know that financing your education can be complicated, and your family might need help in understanding your options.